Enablers of net zero emission strategies in freight logistics: case of India

Abstract

This paper presents a fuzzy Delphi-ISM approach to determine the enablers and establish a hierarchical relationship of the enablers of the three strategies suggested by National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) report i.e., cleaner technologies, modal shift, and operational efficiency. The enablers are categorized based on the PETTOHI framework. Twenty enablers each for cleaner technologies and modal shift, and fourteen enablers for operational efficiency, respectively, were shortlisted after the fuzzy defuzzification process using the fuzzy Delphi method. Three hierarchical models were then developed using Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) to identify the interrelationships among the enablers of each strategy. A Cross Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) analysed the enablers based on their driving and dependence powers. ISM model for enablers of cleaner technologies reveals that the policy and organisation related enablers like implementation of BS VI norms, public private sector collaborations are the major enablers. Study on the enablers of modal shift identifies the importance of policy and infrastructure related items. The development of Multi-modal logistic parks, imposition of eco taxes are the driving enablers in this ISM model. Implementation of PM Gati Shakti, development of highways, waterways, freight corridors are the key enablers for improving operational efficiency. Enablers pertaining to policy, organisation, and infrastructure such as imposing eco taxes and infrastructure development are critical.